Famous Korean blogger goes free

by Rich Bowden - Apr 23 2009, 14:50

A South Korean court acquitted a blogger Monday who had become famous for spreading gloomy economic messages and criticising the government's handling of the economy.

Park Dae-sung, a 30-year-old unemployed resident of the capital Seoul, was found not guilty of charges of spreading rumours about the government's financial dealings.

He became famous across the country for his often accurate portrayals of the global financial crisis.

Posting as "Minerva", Park was arrested by South Korean authorities for suggesting the government had ordered local banks to stop buying U.S. dollars in an effort to stabilise the world, reported the AFP.

"Considering all the circumstances, it is hard to conclude that Park was aware the information was misleading when he wrote the postings," said Judge Yoo Young-Hyun of Seoul Central District Court in handing down his verdict.

Park had pleaded his innocence, saying he was attempting to assist those who had fallen victim to the financial crisis. A Reporters Without Borders statement backed his claim, saying Park's posts were exaggerated but were not responsible for the economic woes of the economy.

The verdict is seen as a victory for free speech in South Korea.

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